BONNIE JEAN O'BOYLE

Thursday

Apr 26, 2018 at 12:01 AM

Bonnie Jean O'Boyle, a beloved sister and aunt and active member of the Bristol and Doylestown communities, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 18, 2018, in her home. Bonnie was born in Bristol to the late Francis and Margaret O’Boyle, the former owners and operators of Bristol’s O’Boyle’s Ice Cream and the King George Inn. She graduated valedictorian from Eden Hall in 1963, attended Newton College, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Bonnie began her career as a journalist, eventually taking on the role of editor at several publications. In 1984, Bonnie co-founded Power and Motoryacht magazine and served as Editor in Chief until 1990. Bonnie was the first female EIC of the boating magazine. During her tenure at Power and Motoryacht, it is legend that she coined the term "mega yacht." Bonnie often spoke of her time spent with Malcolm Forbes, whom provided her with the words she lived by, "life is not a dress rehearsal." She embodied this message with her full heart and encouraged others to as well. In 1978 Bonnie released Living Off the Sea, her first and only book to be published. Upon her retirement, Bonnie found a second life contributing to many community and art organizations in Bucks County. She was an active member of the Bucks County SPCA, Bristol Riverside Theater, Friends of Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol Rotary Club, James A. Michener Art Museum, Bristol Educational Foundation, and the Grundy Foundation. Bonnie was a longtime board member for First Federal of Bucks County (Penn Community Bank). In addition to her professional and philanthropic successes, Bonnie was an avid horseback rider, an enthusiastic piano player and she enjoyed traveling the world. But her greatest contribution to this world was as a loving aunt, sister, and dear friend. Her influence on her family will impact many generations to come. She cared for those around her with gusto and loyalty and love. Bonnie had a unique way of paying detailed attention to those in her life and always had a meaningful card, box of chocolates, or great glass of wine at the ready. Bonnie is survived by her cats, Sparky and Spunky, as well as her two horses, Finn and Fritz. Bonnie leaves behind her siblings, Valerie (O'Boyle) Shartle and her husband, C. Stephen, of Telford and Margaret (O'Boyle) Ross of Fort Wayne, Ind. She will forever remain the very first hero of her nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Evans) Cassel and her husband, Paul, of Harleysville, Anthony D'Angelo and his wife, Elizabeth, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, Matthew D'Angelo of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ashley Shartle of Philadelphia and Alexandra Shartle and her husband, Brian Binsack, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Bonnie also was a prominent figure to her great nieces and nephews, Sara and Shane Cassel, Dominic D'Angelo and Wynn Binsack. She remains in the heart of her longest and dear friends, Polly, Renee and Nick. Bonnie was preceded in death by her brother, Francis O'Boyle of Bristol. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bonnie's name to the Bucks County SPCA or the Silver Lake Nature Center.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.